The Homily for Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C, The Good Shepherd /Vocation Sunday, 8th May, 2022

 The Homily for Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C, The Good Shepherd /Vocation Sunday, 8th May, 2022

Readings: Acts.13:14.43-52; Ps.100; Rev. 7:9.14-17;  John 10-27-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

FOLLOWING JESUS THE TRUE SHEPHERD OF OUR SOUL

Every fourth Sunday of Easter the Church celebrates the Good Shepherd Sunday also known as Vocation Sunday, a day dedicated to reflect on Jesus the Good Shepherd, who guides all the flocks of God into the path that he has prepared for us. It is also an occasion to celebrate Vocation, because God has also called some of us to follow him to be shepherds in the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd. The shepherds are the bishops, the priest, father’s, mothers and all leaders of different capacity who are called to serve the Lord and his people as guidance, helpers, coordinators, and teachers of his flock. We are called to follow the examples of the Good Shepherd himself in serving the people.

Today, as we celebrate the good shepherd/ vocational Sunday, it is necessary for us to reflect on the imagery of shepherd and sheep which occurred frequently in the Scriptures. A figurative term which represent the leaders and those entrusted to them. Hence,  in our Gospel passage, we heard Jesus the good shepherd talking about the attitudes of the sheep . He said: ‘the sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me’.

Traditionally in the scriptures, we have a good number of passages that describes the characteristic behaviour of a sheep. So, the understanding of sheep behaviour is essential for us to know what Jesus is saying to us today. One of the characteristics of sheep is their Flocking behavior. Sheep are best known for their strong flocking and following instinct. They will run from what frightens them and band together in large groups for protection. This is the only protection they have from predators, for there is safety in numbers. It is this strong flocking instinct that allows one person to look after so many sheep. 

Another characteristics of sheep is following the leader. When one sheep moves, the rest will follow, even if it does not seem to be a good idea. The flocking and following instinct of sheep is so strong that even from birth, lambs learn to follow the older members of the flock. The dominant members of the flock usually lead, followed by the submissive ones.

This will help us to understand the Social life of good sheep, as we know sheep are very social animals. They often ensure that they have visual contact with other sheep. And they become highly-agitated if separated from the rest of the sheep. These great characteristics are highly needed among us, who follow Jesus the Good Shepherd. We need to have sense of belonging, we need to learn to flock together, we need to have love instinct for one another and for the shepherd. We need to be docile and submissive.

We must not be separated from others nor allowed anyone to separate from the flock. We must learn to be humble and meek like sheep. As we know sheep are usually very quiet and gentle, holding themselves aloof from the world, we must learn to do the same. Good sheep tend to listen to their leaders and show respect to them, we must learn to do the same. Sheep are highly obedient and because of their obedient character, they are one of the most loved animal, so we too must learn to be obedient so as to experience love from the Good Shepherd and from one another. Although, We are sheep, but sometimes the Good Shepherd entrust his leadership to us in order to follow his examples in serving the people. Therefore, we must learn to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd of our souls

Hence, their are many Shepherd leaders who are working so hard to follow the good example of Jesus the Good Shepherd, but there is no doubt that in our societies, there are some false and bad leaders who are not walking in the path of the Good Shepherd, but instead, allowed themselves to be overwhelmed by the sins of greed, selfishness and corruption in the world. Apparently, in our societies we see that some shepherds who ought to guide and feed the sheep are now feeding on the sheep, scattering them in order to select their choice and feed on their milk, wear their wool, eat their flesh, enriching and fatling themselves from their products. While treating the sheep harshly and brutally, abandoning the sick, the weak and the strayed. 

Most leaders in our society have betrayed their mission: instead of promoting a just society in accordance with the plan of God, they are using their authority to enrich themselves while oppressing the people entrusted to them. Today, the duties neglected by such ugly leaders are now hunting everyone. The consequences of our bad leadership is what is affecting the whole world today. Therefore, it time for us to return to God the true Shepherd of our souls, it is time to listen to the voice of Jesus. It is time to change our ugly, greedy, selfish and corrupt ways of doing things.  

Dear friends, we have gone astray like lost sheep but now, let us come back to Jesus Christ the shepherd and guardian of our souls. Let us return to him who suffered for us and left an example for us to follow his ways. And as heard in our second reading today that the Lamb who is at the throne will be our shepherd and will lead us to springs of living water; and there God will wipe away all tears from our eyes.

LET US PRAY, Lord God, as we celebrate Good Shepherd/ vocation Sunday, we pray for all the leaders of the world both religious, secular and in the family, that you will make us true Shepherd of your flock so that we may truly be able to find meaning to our respective vocations in life and for those who are still discerning the path to their vocations, especially all who are discerning their call: the seminarians, religious sisters and brothers, and those looking for life partner, may you help and guide all of us to our true vocation in life. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed and grace filled Sunday.